South Sudan media switch off services for 24 hours in protest over killing of journalist

JUBA, South Sudan – Officials of media unions and associations in South Sudan say they have started a 24-hour news blackout to demand a full investigation into the killing of a newspaper reporter and assurances of safety for journalists working in the war-torn nation.

Peter Julius Moi was shot twice in the back by unknown gunmen just days after President Salva Kiir reportedly threatened to kill journalists working "against the country."

Alfred Taban, the head of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan, told The Associated Press the blackout — from noon Friday to Saturday — should raise awareness among the public that the government is not safeguarding journalists and their rights.

In December 2013, troops loyal to Kiir clashed with those loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar, starting a war.